Dual breast pad and bib apparatus
The present invention provides a dual breast pad and nursing bib apparatus comprising a cup-shaped base flap and a nursing flap, wherein the nursing flap is hingedly coupled to the cup-shaped base flap, and wherein the nursing flap may be rotated between a first closed position and a second bib position. In some embodiments, the apparatus comprises adhesive areas on the cup-shaped base flap and/or on the nursing flap. In some embodiments, the apparatus further comprises adhesive flaps hingedly coupled to the cup-shaped base flap.
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/424,391, filed Nov. 6, 2002.
FIELD OF THE INVENTIONThe present invention relates generally to undergarments and, more particularly, to nursing pads.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONDuring breastfeeding, leaking of the breasts is a common occurrence. It is the body's way of preventing engorgement and relieving the feeling of fullness nursing moms get in their breasts. Every breastfeeding woman is different—while some mothers never leak, others can barely keep their nursing tops dry. To soak up the fluids leaked from the breast, absorbent nursing pads are applied in the vicinity of the nipple. However, the pad must be removed prior to breastfeeding. During breastfeeding, fluids are often spilled, wetting the woman's breast and surrounding clothing if precautions are not taken, such as placing a bib underneath the breast. And, even if such a bib is placed underneath the breast, a large portion of the breast is exposed and may become wetted. Further still, a woman must carry both nursing pads and bibs. Further still yet, the bib must be disposed of or stored and later washed after feeding, increasing the cost and inconvenience of breastfeeding. Thus, there exists a need for a device that performs as both a nursing pad and a bib, which may remain in place during breastfeeding to absorb any fluids leaked during feeding, thereby eliminating the need for a separate bib.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONThe present invention provides a dual breast pad and nursing bib apparatus comprising a cup-shaped base flap and a nursing flap, wherein said nursing flap is hingedly coupled to said cup-shaped base flap, and wherein said nursing flap may be rotated between a first closed position and a second bib position. In some embodiments, the apparatus comprises adhesive areas on the cup-shaped base flap and/or on the nursing flap. In some embodiments, the apparatus further comprises adhesive flaps hingedly coupled to said cup-shaped base flap. In further embodiments, the cup-shaped base flap comprises a self-supporting, contoured shape. In still further embodiments, the apparatus further comprises an attached wipe containing a cleaning agent, a medicinal agent or a skin benefit agent. In yet still further embodiments, the apparatus is disposable.
The foregoing aspects and many of the attendant advantages of this invention will become more readily appreciated as the same become better understood by reference to the following detailed description, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:
Unless specifically defined herein, all terms used herein have the same meaning as they would to one skilled in the art of the present invention.
Generally described, the present invention provides a strapless dual breast pad and nursing bib apparatus comprising a cup-shaped base flap and nursing flap, wherein said nursing flap is hingedly coupled to said cup-shaped base flap and wherein said nursing flap may be rotated between a first closed position and a second bib position.
The dual breast pad and nursing bib apparatus may be used by any woman who is nursing an infant. The apparatus is useful both for absorbing excess lacteal fluid and for absorbing any fluids leaked during breast feeding, thereby eliminating the need for a separate bib. The apparatus may be disposed of after a feeding session and a new one installed, or may be reused.
Referring to
Optionally, a pair of adhesive wings 14 are hingedly coupled on opposite sides of base flap 12. When worn by a woman, adhesive wings 14 are applied to the sides of breast 20, holding the breast pad and nursing bib apparatus 10 in place, with the base flap 12 positioned underneath breast 20 and nursing flap 16 in an upright position, covering the nipple. In this configuration, the breast pad and bib apparatus 10 absorbs any leakage that may occur from the breast 20, provides support to the breast 20, and obscures the shape of the nipple from showing through any garment. The size of apparatus 10 can be varied to accommodate wearers with different cup sizes. As shown in
Referring to
Referring to
Referring again to
As indicated above, in some embodiments apparatus 10 includes adhesive areas which are used to adhere apparatus 10 to breast 20. Referring to
As also indicated above, in some embodiments of apparatus 10, a packaged, folded wipe 22 may be attached for clean-up after feeding as shown in
While the preferred embodiment of the invention has been illustrated and described, it will be appreciated that various changes can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
Claims
1. A strapless breast pad and nursing bib apparatus comprising:
- a cup-shaped base flap for cupping and supporting a lower portion of a breast, the cup-shaped base flap having an adhesive coupled thereto for adhering the cup-shaped base flap to the breast; and
- a nursing flap;
- wherein said nursing flap is hingedly coupled to said cup-shaped base flap by a hinge, wherein said nursing flap may be rotated between a first closed position and a second bib position about the hinge, and wherein the cup-shaped base flap extends outward from the hinge a first distance and wherein the nursing flap extends outward from the hinge a second distance, wherein the first distance is substantially equal to or less than the second distance such that the nursing flap extends further outward from the hinge than the cup-shaped base flap.
2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said cup-shaped base flap and said nursing flap have a front side which faces a breast and a back side which faces a woman's clothing, said front side comprising an absorbent material and said back side comprising a liquid impermeable material.
3. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein said back side comprises a breathable material.
4. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein said front side of said cup-shaped base flap comprises adhesive areas.
5. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein said front side of said nursing flap comprises adhesive areas.
6. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising adhesive flaps having the adhesive disposed thereon, the adhesive flaps hingedly coupled to said cup-shaped base flap.
7. The apparatus according to claim 4, 5 or 6 wherein said adhesive is hypo-allergic.
8. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said cup-shaped base flap comprises a self-supporting, contoured shape.
9. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said nursing flap is of sufficient size and shape to extend underneath the breast in a self-supporting bib position.
10. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said apparatus comprises an elastic fabric.
11. The apparatus according to claim 1 further comprising an attached wipe.
12. The apparatus according to claim 11, wherein said attached wipe contains an agent selected from the group consisting of a cleaning agent, a medicinal agent and a skin benefit agent and combinations thereof.
13. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said apparatus is disposable.
14. A strapless breast pad and nursing bib apparatus comprising:
- a cup-shaped base flap for cupping and supporting a lower portion of a breast, the cup-shaped base flap having an adhesive coupled thereto for adhering the cup-shaped base flap to the breast; and
- a nursing flap having an upper portion free of an adhesive for attaching the nursing flap to the breast;
- wherein said nursing flap is hingedly coupled to said cup-shaped base flap by a hinge, wherein said nursing flap may be rotated between a first closed position and a second bib position.
15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the cup-shaped base flap extends outward from the hinge a first distance and wherein the nursing flap extends outward from the hinge a second distance, wherein the first distance is substantially equal to or less than the second distance such that the nursing flap extends further outward from the hinge than the cup-shaped base flap.
16. The apparatus of claim 15, further comprising adhesive flaps having the adhesive disposed thereon, the adhesive flaps hingedly coupled to said cup-shaped base flap.
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Type: Grant
Filed: Nov 6, 2003
Date of Patent: Feb 21, 2006
Patent Publication Number: 20040154068
Inventors: Heather Gorringe (Nampa, ID), Heidi Bench (Oakley, ID), Brandi Raass (Nampa, ID), Travis Bruce Mitchell (Oakley, ID), Bruce N. Mitchell (Oakley, ID), Elaine Mitchell (Oakley, ID)
Primary Examiner: Gloria M. Hale
Attorney: Christensen O'Connor Johnson Kindness PLLC
Application Number: 10/703,096
International Classification: A41D 3/00 (20060101);